RELG 100. Holy War, Martyrdom, and Suicide in Christianity, Judaism and Islam

An examination of the concepts of martyrdom, holy war, and suicide in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. How are “just” war, suicide, martyrdom presented in the sacred texts of these three traditions? How are the different perspectives related to conceptions of death and the afterlife within each tradition? Historically, how have these three traditions idealized and/or valorized the martyr and/or the “just” warrior? In what ways have modern post-colonial political groups and nationalist movements appropriated martyrdom and holy war in our time?
Humanities.
2 credits.
Eligible for MDST, PEAC
Spring 2027. al-Jamil.
Catalog chapter: Religion
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/religion

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